from Barry Gibbs
The first 2009 meeting of the Bay County Republican Roundtable was held on January 13th. Elections for officers of the Board were held and Teresa Eaton was selected to lead the Roundtable for the next year. Also elected were: First Vice-president Vicki Doolittle, Second Vice-president Richard Plantec, Secretary Barry Gibbs and, re-elected for a second term was Treasurer Melissa Thompson. The Bay County Republican Roundtable is open to all Conservatives who are interested in maintaining the political dialogue, even in non-election times. Party direction, strategy and tactics, and discussion of local and national issues are all fair game. Come join us next month!
Editor
- The Political Consultant
- Panama City, Florida, United States
- Bay County Republican: the truth about what is going on in GOP local politics
Friday, January 16, 2009
CPAC 2009 Feb 26-28, 2009
CPAC 2009
Timeless Principles, New Challenges
The American Conservative Union Foundation is pleased to invite you to participate in the nation's largest annual gathering of conservatives. The 36th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) will be held on February 26-28, 2009, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington,DC .
Invited and Confirmed Speakers Include:
Amb. John Bolton - Gov. Sarah Palin - Gov. Bobby Jindal - Newt Gingrich - David Horowitz - David Keene - Wayne LaPierre - Rep. Ron Paul - Mitt Romney - Phyllis Schlafly - Robert Davi - Rep. Mike Pence - and many more!
CPAC will feature book signings by the nation's leading conservative authors, live broadcasts of national and local radio talk shows, hands-on training sessions from grassroots activism to media strategy, internet row, a bloggers' row, and much, much more!
"A showcase of the heart and soul of American conservatism" - LA Times
"... Unmatched in both the numbers it draws and the quality of speakers who appear"
- The Politico
" The nation's premier gathering of conservatives... a key event for conservative candidates ever since the first gathering was held in 1974."
- NewsMax
Registration Packages Include:
- Diamond Package $750
- 3-Day Conference Package $150
- Presidential Banquet $275
- Reagan Banquet $275
- Student Pass $25
- Saturday-Only Pass $50
Please visit our website to register today.
Hotel Information
Rooms are available for CPAC attendees at the Omni Shoreham Hotel at 2500 Calvert Street, NW , Washington , DC 20008 . To make a reservation, call (800) 843 -6664.
Mention CPAC in order to receive the discounted rate of $229 ($199 for students, ID required) before the February 3, 2009 deadline. For more hotel and travel options.
The 36th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference is a project of the American Conservative Union Foundation in association with Human Events and the Young America 's Foundation.
Copyright 2009, American Conservative Union Foundation
1007 Cameron Street | Alexandria , VA 22314
Phone 703-836-8602 | Fax 703-836-8606
Timeless Principles, New Challenges
The American Conservative Union Foundation is pleased to invite you to participate in the nation's largest annual gathering of conservatives. The 36th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) will be held on February 26-28, 2009, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington,DC .
Invited and Confirmed Speakers Include:
Amb. John Bolton - Gov. Sarah Palin - Gov. Bobby Jindal - Newt Gingrich - David Horowitz - David Keene - Wayne LaPierre - Rep. Ron Paul - Mitt Romney - Phyllis Schlafly - Robert Davi - Rep. Mike Pence - and many more!
CPAC will feature book signings by the nation's leading conservative authors, live broadcasts of national and local radio talk shows, hands-on training sessions from grassroots activism to media strategy, internet row, a bloggers' row, and much, much more!
"A showcase of the heart and soul of American conservatism" - LA Times
"... Unmatched in both the numbers it draws and the quality of speakers who appear"
- The Politico
" The nation's premier gathering of conservatives... a key event for conservative candidates ever since the first gathering was held in 1974."
- NewsMax
Registration Packages Include:
- Diamond Package $750
- 3-Day Conference Package $150
- Presidential Banquet $275
- Reagan Banquet $275
- Student Pass $25
- Saturday-Only Pass $50
Please visit our website to register today.
Hotel Information
Rooms are available for CPAC attendees at the Omni Shoreham Hotel at 2500 Calvert Street, NW , Washington , DC 20008 . To make a reservation, call (800) 843 -6664.
Mention CPAC in order to receive the discounted rate of $229 ($199 for students, ID required) before the February 3, 2009 deadline. For more hotel and travel options.
The 36th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference is a project of the American Conservative Union Foundation in association with Human Events and the Young America 's Foundation.
Copyright 2009, American Conservative Union Foundation
1007 Cameron Street | Alexandria , VA 22314
Phone 703-836-8602 | Fax 703-836-8606
Florida's Economic Future
from the Coalition for Property Rights
2009 will be a defining year for the State of Florida. Citizens will either reclaim Florida as a state of hope, growth and opportunity - or bear witness as the nail is driven into Florida's economic coffin.
For almost two decades, Florida's property and business owners have stood relatively silent while political and social elites have promoted tax and land use policies aimed specifically at discouraging individual industry and stifling growth.
The day the first "visioning" session was held in Florida, our state slide toward socialism began.
Property rights represent the most fundamental economic freedom we hold.
When government controls the use of real property through land use policies which give government agents full authority to determine how and when land is used, it has the ability to control the value and potential economic benefit of this property asset. The primary economic benefit of property ownership lies in its use and the ability to use property for financial benefit. Economically burdensome, land use controls are no different than government controlling the funds in your bank account.
Floridians would never tolerate government agents or committees of citizens restricting the use of our cash earnings and telling us where and when our money could be spent or invested - and yet many have stood by silently while government has slowly seized almost complete control of our largest financial assets - our land and buildings.
Floridians have only to look at the economic result of states such as California and New Hampshire where social and political elites have been successful in convincing policymakers to enact draconian land use policies and have driven the cost of land and construction beyond affordability. The State of California has teetered on the brink of bankruptcy for most of the past decade, because state and local lawmakers remain convinced regulation is the solution.
Floridians have only to look to these states, to history and to Florida's neighbor - the nation-state of Cuba - to see the economic result of centralized planning and government control over private property. Many of California's largest cities are becoming crime-ridden ghettos, because the poor have lost all hope of individual economic achievement. Most of the buildings in Cuba are barely standing, its transportation infrastructure in shambles and basic medical supplies such as aspirin and children's vitamins are luxury items.
Unless Florida citizens and policymakers act to reform Florida's land use and taxation policies, our state economy will not recover anytime soon.
It is an economic truth that both labor and capital flow toward the greatest prospect for reward. It is simply common sense.
If individuals and companies cannot derive profit from working, saving, and investing in Florida, they will not engage in these activities here. Florida's lack of an income tax and temperate climate will not sustain economic growth when we have other regulatory and tax policies actively discouraging private investment in our state.
Nationally, there are other attractive states for property investment. Internationally, there are now a number of countries which have adopted national flat taxes to stimulate their economies.
Florida can no longer compete. Our regulatory environment discourages investment and industry. Florida's six-month to six-year land use permitting process is fraught with risk for investors and carries six and seven-figure regulatory costs, which are heavy burdens attached to land use in our state. When individuals and businesses cannot easily and affordably use land, they have no incentive to build or expand businesses here.
We must also be mindful that Florida's land use policies and the promotion of centralized planning are part of a larger ideological war. Government's growth and control are most often promoted by individuals with an aetheist viewpoint and who view the control of political and social elites as a perfectly acceptable substitute for our God-given, natural right of economic self-determination.
Throughout history, utopian visioning and land controls have always resulted in shifting power to certain elites and have generally been disasterous for the common man.
Citizens who are not free to choose the use of their private property and to build basic wealth through the use of property are not a free people - their individual economic potential is constrained.
In addition to the regulatory burden impacting Florida's economy, three additional threats loom large in 2009:
* The Hometown Democracy Amendment is poised to appear on the 2010 General Election ballot and would represent a constitutional substitute of a land owners right to self-determine the use of his/her land. If passed, this measure would discourage future capital investment in our state. If Florida property and business owners do not use the opportunity in 2009 to educate the mass electorate on the economic consequences of the Hometown Democracy Amendment, the first nine months of 2010 may not provide sufficient time to do so.
* Looming LEED Mandates. While this new form of environmental regulations is currently being promoted as a "voluntary certification" , Florida property owners and businesses should not be fooled. Cities and counties across Florida are now training employees to enforce LEED mandates. If citizens do not act today and demand LEED remain voluntary, costly mandatory LEED regulations will be adopted across Florida. Once government regulation crosses into the interiors of private residences and commercial buildings - when government agents control what fixtures, furniture and interior systems private citizens can install in their homes and business, these regulations and costs will never be removed. The adoption of LEED mandates will trigger create inflation in the cost of living and cost of operating a business in Florida and further discourage private investment in our state.
* America's environmental movement is reaching its zenith. It is likely our new national chief executive and a Democratically- controlled Congress will fail to recognize property rights and the health of our national economy are inextricably linked. These leaders will be aggressively lobbied by a well-financed international political machine to adopt a new "Green Wave" of land use regulations whose economic impact may be unprecedented in world history. Americans may also see mammoth areas of private land taken off the public tax rolls, which creates an increased tax burden for all private land holders.
With these extraordinary set of challenges facing property owners in Florida and across America, citizens certainly have good reason to be pessimistic about our economic future.
Our nation's full slide toward socialism seems almost certain. With government now exerting so much control over private property assets it is no longer inconceivable the next generation of American's may be effectually "Born in the U.S.S.A."
However, there is also reason for extraordinary optimism.
America remains a democracy. As Americans, we have the government we demand.
It is time for Florida property and business owners, and those across the country, to make time in their schedules for political activism and to stand up individually and collectively in a united call to action.
Citizens who believe in economic liberty must end their silent watch, must get off the sidelines and into the game. Land owners who lobby their officials actively and aggressively can affect policy change.
For too many years, too many hard-working Americans have allowed the intelligencia and environmental activists out lobby us.
The stakes are simply too high for inaction. We must each personally enlist in the fight to save our nation from implosion.
Policy makers must be asked to review the massive weight of regulation sapping our state and national economic potential and evoke a simple test for all current and future land use regulation: Does this public policy promote individual freedom and incentivize individual industry?
In 2009, the Coalition for Property Rights is going to be working even more aggressively to call property owners to action. Our state's sleeping political giant must be shaken and awakened to the reality that political inactivity carries a very steep price.
The thought of a losing our national heritage of individual economic opportunity in our generation should create a slow-burning pit of anger in the heart of every American citizen.
Living on American soil will be absolutely meaningless if government controls our ability to use our land and limits our individual economic potential.
2009 will be a defining year for the State of Florida. Citizens will either reclaim Florida as a state of hope, growth and opportunity - or bear witness as the nail is driven into Florida's economic coffin.
For almost two decades, Florida's property and business owners have stood relatively silent while political and social elites have promoted tax and land use policies aimed specifically at discouraging individual industry and stifling growth.
The day the first "visioning" session was held in Florida, our state slide toward socialism began.
Property rights represent the most fundamental economic freedom we hold.
When government controls the use of real property through land use policies which give government agents full authority to determine how and when land is used, it has the ability to control the value and potential economic benefit of this property asset. The primary economic benefit of property ownership lies in its use and the ability to use property for financial benefit. Economically burdensome, land use controls are no different than government controlling the funds in your bank account.
Floridians would never tolerate government agents or committees of citizens restricting the use of our cash earnings and telling us where and when our money could be spent or invested - and yet many have stood by silently while government has slowly seized almost complete control of our largest financial assets - our land and buildings.
Floridians have only to look at the economic result of states such as California and New Hampshire where social and political elites have been successful in convincing policymakers to enact draconian land use policies and have driven the cost of land and construction beyond affordability. The State of California has teetered on the brink of bankruptcy for most of the past decade, because state and local lawmakers remain convinced regulation is the solution.
Floridians have only to look to these states, to history and to Florida's neighbor - the nation-state of Cuba - to see the economic result of centralized planning and government control over private property. Many of California's largest cities are becoming crime-ridden ghettos, because the poor have lost all hope of individual economic achievement. Most of the buildings in Cuba are barely standing, its transportation infrastructure in shambles and basic medical supplies such as aspirin and children's vitamins are luxury items.
Unless Florida citizens and policymakers act to reform Florida's land use and taxation policies, our state economy will not recover anytime soon.
It is an economic truth that both labor and capital flow toward the greatest prospect for reward. It is simply common sense.
If individuals and companies cannot derive profit from working, saving, and investing in Florida, they will not engage in these activities here. Florida's lack of an income tax and temperate climate will not sustain economic growth when we have other regulatory and tax policies actively discouraging private investment in our state.
Nationally, there are other attractive states for property investment. Internationally, there are now a number of countries which have adopted national flat taxes to stimulate their economies.
Florida can no longer compete. Our regulatory environment discourages investment and industry. Florida's six-month to six-year land use permitting process is fraught with risk for investors and carries six and seven-figure regulatory costs, which are heavy burdens attached to land use in our state. When individuals and businesses cannot easily and affordably use land, they have no incentive to build or expand businesses here.
We must also be mindful that Florida's land use policies and the promotion of centralized planning are part of a larger ideological war. Government's growth and control are most often promoted by individuals with an aetheist viewpoint and who view the control of political and social elites as a perfectly acceptable substitute for our God-given, natural right of economic self-determination.
Throughout history, utopian visioning and land controls have always resulted in shifting power to certain elites and have generally been disasterous for the common man.
Citizens who are not free to choose the use of their private property and to build basic wealth through the use of property are not a free people - their individual economic potential is constrained.
In addition to the regulatory burden impacting Florida's economy, three additional threats loom large in 2009:
* The Hometown Democracy Amendment is poised to appear on the 2010 General Election ballot and would represent a constitutional substitute of a land owners right to self-determine the use of his/her land. If passed, this measure would discourage future capital investment in our state. If Florida property and business owners do not use the opportunity in 2009 to educate the mass electorate on the economic consequences of the Hometown Democracy Amendment, the first nine months of 2010 may not provide sufficient time to do so.
* Looming LEED Mandates. While this new form of environmental regulations is currently being promoted as a "voluntary certification" , Florida property owners and businesses should not be fooled. Cities and counties across Florida are now training employees to enforce LEED mandates. If citizens do not act today and demand LEED remain voluntary, costly mandatory LEED regulations will be adopted across Florida. Once government regulation crosses into the interiors of private residences and commercial buildings - when government agents control what fixtures, furniture and interior systems private citizens can install in their homes and business, these regulations and costs will never be removed. The adoption of LEED mandates will trigger create inflation in the cost of living and cost of operating a business in Florida and further discourage private investment in our state.
* America's environmental movement is reaching its zenith. It is likely our new national chief executive and a Democratically- controlled Congress will fail to recognize property rights and the health of our national economy are inextricably linked. These leaders will be aggressively lobbied by a well-financed international political machine to adopt a new "Green Wave" of land use regulations whose economic impact may be unprecedented in world history. Americans may also see mammoth areas of private land taken off the public tax rolls, which creates an increased tax burden for all private land holders.
With these extraordinary set of challenges facing property owners in Florida and across America, citizens certainly have good reason to be pessimistic about our economic future.
Our nation's full slide toward socialism seems almost certain. With government now exerting so much control over private property assets it is no longer inconceivable the next generation of American's may be effectually "Born in the U.S.S.A."
However, there is also reason for extraordinary optimism.
America remains a democracy. As Americans, we have the government we demand.
It is time for Florida property and business owners, and those across the country, to make time in their schedules for political activism and to stand up individually and collectively in a united call to action.
Citizens who believe in economic liberty must end their silent watch, must get off the sidelines and into the game. Land owners who lobby their officials actively and aggressively can affect policy change.
For too many years, too many hard-working Americans have allowed the intelligencia and environmental activists out lobby us.
The stakes are simply too high for inaction. We must each personally enlist in the fight to save our nation from implosion.
Policy makers must be asked to review the massive weight of regulation sapping our state and national economic potential and evoke a simple test for all current and future land use regulation: Does this public policy promote individual freedom and incentivize individual industry?
In 2009, the Coalition for Property Rights is going to be working even more aggressively to call property owners to action. Our state's sleeping political giant must be shaken and awakened to the reality that political inactivity carries a very steep price.
The thought of a losing our national heritage of individual economic opportunity in our generation should create a slow-burning pit of anger in the heart of every American citizen.
Living on American soil will be absolutely meaningless if government controls our ability to use our land and limits our individual economic potential.
Allen Boyd close to decision on 2010 US Senate run
By Billy House, TBO.com
U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd of Monticello says the news today from state Chief Financial Office Alex Sink’s that she will not run for the U.S. Senate won’t impact his own decision.
Boyd said he is close to announcing whether he will seek the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat that Republican Mel Martinez will be leaving in 2010.
“I love serving the people of North Florida in the House of Representatives, but I’m considering a Senate run because of the very serious challenges facing my fellow Floridians,” said Boyd, in a statement.
Boyd added: “I’m not going to drag this out. I’ve very close to a decision and will make my decision public.”
Sink would have been considered a top candidate had she run. Though she will not run, Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami earlier this week announced that he is a candidate.
Boyd also said Sink would have be “a tremendous candidate,” although “Florida is fortunate that she’ll be staying on as CFO.”
“I’ve always said that the decision to run for the U.S. Senate is a personal one for me and does not hinge on what anyone else decides to do,” Boyd said.
Said Meek of Sink’s decision: “My hope was for the strongest slate of Democrats to appear on the 2010 ballot for statewide office, and with today’s announcement by CFO Sink, Democrats will have an extremely strong ticket up and down the ballot in 2010.”
Thursday, January 15, 2009
What went right and wrong for 2008
from the American Association of Political Consultants
· Political mail fundraising seemed far outdistanced by online fundraising with several general consultants now wondering if direct mail donors are a dying breed;
· Newspapers felt the bite in advertising money that should have gone their way but did not in any appreciable numbers. Indeed, even banner ads were far less prevalent than expected – despite evidence of the effectiveness of the medium;
· Money spent near the end of the campaign not only broke all records – totals will last for years, and yet, much of the last splurging on traditional GOTV efforts were wasted. Voters were not listening to last minute blasts – be they on the phone, on TV or in your mailbox.
· Investing in people going door to door, having campaigners spend a little time with senior voters on the phone, and having creative online, personalized messages sent to targeted public segments became the winning strategies.
· Political mail fundraising seemed far outdistanced by online fundraising with several general consultants now wondering if direct mail donors are a dying breed;
· Newspapers felt the bite in advertising money that should have gone their way but did not in any appreciable numbers. Indeed, even banner ads were far less prevalent than expected – despite evidence of the effectiveness of the medium;
· Money spent near the end of the campaign not only broke all records – totals will last for years, and yet, much of the last splurging on traditional GOTV efforts were wasted. Voters were not listening to last minute blasts – be they on the phone, on TV or in your mailbox.
· Investing in people going door to door, having campaigners spend a little time with senior voters on the phone, and having creative online, personalized messages sent to targeted public segments became the winning strategies.
Red County seeking contributors from Bay County
Friends,
Red County is a new project and they are looking for more contributors from Bay County, Florida. I am the Bay. Co. editor and I just finished a conference call. If you have something to say as a local Republican, please e-mail me at rlc_nwfl@yahoo.com and I will post it. I want to interview and have all of our board members contribute to this effort. Anyone is welcome to submit something to me.
Let's put Bay County on the map!
The 12 Principles of Strategy
By Brian Tracy
1.The Principle of the Objective: Direct all efforts to a clearly
defined, decisive, and attainable strategic objective.
2.The Principle of the Offensive: Seize, retain and exploit the
initiative.
3.The Principle of the Mass: Concentrate combat power at the
decisive place and time.
4.The Principle of the Maneuver: Move and retain staff and
resources in a way that furthers the accomplishment of the mission.
5.The Principle of Intelligence: Do everything possible to
determine the dispositions,plans,strengths, and weaknesses of the
competitor,plus know the environment and all other factors that could affect the outcome of the engagement.
6.The Principle of Concerted Action: Unify and bring all elements
of your staff and resources to work together simultaneously in the
achievement of your aims.
7.The Principle of Unity of Command: For every objective, there
should be unity of effort under one responsible leader.
8.The Principle of Simplicity - Take the Direct Approach: Prepare
clear, uncomplicated plans with clear, concise orders to assure
thorough understanding.
9.The Principle of Security - Cover all your bases: Never permit
the competitor to acquire an unexpected advantage.
10.The Principle of Economy - Conserve your resources: Allocate
minimum essential staff and resources to secondary efforts.
11.The Principle of Surprise - Do the Unexpected : Accomplish your
purpose before your competitors can react effectively.
12.The Principle of Exploitation- Follow up and follow through:
Follow Up and follow through vigorously on a breakthrough or advantage,
once it is achieved.
1.The Principle of the Objective: Direct all efforts to a clearly
defined, decisive, and attainable strategic objective.
2.The Principle of the Offensive: Seize, retain and exploit the
initiative.
3.The Principle of the Mass: Concentrate combat power at the
decisive place and time.
4.The Principle of the Maneuver: Move and retain staff and
resources in a way that furthers the accomplishment of the mission.
5.The Principle of Intelligence: Do everything possible to
determine the dispositions,plans,strengths, and weaknesses of the
competitor,plus know the environment and all other factors that could affect the outcome of the engagement.
6.The Principle of Concerted Action: Unify and bring all elements
of your staff and resources to work together simultaneously in the
achievement of your aims.
7.The Principle of Unity of Command: For every objective, there
should be unity of effort under one responsible leader.
8.The Principle of Simplicity - Take the Direct Approach: Prepare
clear, uncomplicated plans with clear, concise orders to assure
thorough understanding.
9.The Principle of Security - Cover all your bases: Never permit
the competitor to acquire an unexpected advantage.
10.The Principle of Economy - Conserve your resources: Allocate
minimum essential staff and resources to secondary efforts.
11.The Principle of Surprise - Do the Unexpected : Accomplish your
purpose before your competitors can react effectively.
12.The Principle of Exploitation- Follow up and follow through:
Follow Up and follow through vigorously on a breakthrough or advantage,
once it is achieved.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mark Cross on his failed run for RPOF Chairman
I would like to thank each and every person who supported me in the race for the Chairmanship of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF). I was disappointed I could not win the Chairmanship but I feel very excited and encouraged by the results.
First of all this was a very difficult race to win, because there are not a lot of things that volunteers can do to help. This was a person to person race, normally decided by money and endorsements. There are 253 people who were able to vote. Each county has 3 votes, the State Committeeman, Committeewoman, and Chairman. There are 10 gubernatorial appointees, 10 Senate appointees, 10 House appointees, 15 Republican Congressmen, and 7 statewide elected officials. You must garner a majority vote to win. That means you have to contact each member of the State Committee in order to determine support. So a race like this is pretty straight forward. If a candidate works right, he will know the vote before it happens.
After talking to many people, I knew what the vote would be. I knew I would not be Chairman. My entire campaign was based upon three issues. I wanted to see RPOF give more support to local executive committees and candidates. If this happens more of you will be able to run for local office and have party support. I wanted to see RPOF invest in better technology to reach voters and volunteers. You have the technology, so you will be very much needed in the party. Most importantly I wanted to see RPOF open the doors and allow every Republican to participate. I fought for these three principles.
About 10 minutes before the annual meeting, I ran into Chairman Jim Greer. Our visit was not planned. It was purely impromptu. We talked about the issues I championed. He understood these issues and told me what he was doing to make corrections. Jim also said that he would make sure any Ron Paul Republican who wanted to participate would be able to. He complimented me for running such a gentlemanly campaign. He appreciated the fact that I did not attack any candidate, did not attack the Republican Party, and stuck to the issues. Chairman Greer was very gracious. He didn’t have to talk to me. He didn’t need my vote and support or ask for it because he was also a vote counter. He knew that he would be reelected in about an hour. I believe what he said.
It came time for nominations and Governor Crist nominated Jim Greer. The Governor asked that everyone vote for him. Many other party officials seconded the motion. Jim talked for a few minutes about the Republican Party. When it was my turn to speak, I talked about my three issues. I told everyone about the Ron Paul campaign and what a wonderful experience it was working with the grass roots. I talked about technology, money bombs, and the internet. I quoted Ronald Reagan; “The very essence of conservatism is libertarianism.” I talked about the future of our party.
My speech was not prepared. There was no podium so I was speaking extemporaneously. I noticed that the Governor happened to be sitting on the end of the first row, right by my microphone. In closing my speech I took the opportunity to look the Governor in the eye and said, “Governor, I want to withdraw my name from nomination because I am going to support your nominee. Republicans should not be fighting other Republicans. We should be fighting Democrats.” I made a call for party unity.
The Governor stood up and shook my hand. He thanked me for what I had done. I was told later that I had received a standing ovation. Jim Greer won the race 169 to 52, which was about the margin I had expected. During his acceptance speech, Chairman Greer shocked everyone when he said, “I want to make sure all the Ron Paul supporters who want to participate are able to.” There has been a lot of good will generated since.
I know there are some people who are disappointed in the outcome of this election. I am disappointed, too, because I know that I would have made a great chairman. During my campaign I stood up for three issues that have an effect on internal policies of RPOF. Jim addressed each one. I believe what he said and I will give him every opportunity to succeed. He never asked for my support or promised me anything. Even though he won the Chairmanship, I won on the issues and I never compromised my principles.
Unity is important. We need to unify behind real Republican principles. We can accomplish this by preparing for the 2010 election cycle. There will be tens of thousands of races all across the country including City Commissioners, County Commissioners, School Districts, and local boards. Many of these races require very little resources. If we plan now to field our candidates and participate with the Republican Party we can win.
But please remember, unity does not mean arbitrarily supporting any candidate who has an R behind his name. We can elevate the debate by supporting candidates who support real Republican principles. It is our job to hold the party to higher standards. With this approach we will win elections.
The bottom line is “All Politics Is Local”. A local city or county commission race might not seem as glamorous as Congress, but I guarantee you will have a better chance of success. You will also have a better chance at effectuating change within your community simply by running.
I want to issue a challenge to everyone who wants to participate with Republicans. Come to meetings. Join Republican clubs. Get to know people. Participate in a positive manner. Learn the rules. Get to know your elected officials. And most importantly, organize your precinct. Many of you have been quite successful. 2010 will be a banner year.
Once again thank you for all your support and well wishes. It is always tough to run a race, but it was easier knowing I had the support of our family. I want to salute each and every one of you for all the things you do to promote liberty throughout this great nation. In 2010 I want to be reading about you, an ordinary person who is doing extraordinary things. Thank you.
In Liberty,
Mark Cross
First of all this was a very difficult race to win, because there are not a lot of things that volunteers can do to help. This was a person to person race, normally decided by money and endorsements. There are 253 people who were able to vote. Each county has 3 votes, the State Committeeman, Committeewoman, and Chairman. There are 10 gubernatorial appointees, 10 Senate appointees, 10 House appointees, 15 Republican Congressmen, and 7 statewide elected officials. You must garner a majority vote to win. That means you have to contact each member of the State Committee in order to determine support. So a race like this is pretty straight forward. If a candidate works right, he will know the vote before it happens.
After talking to many people, I knew what the vote would be. I knew I would not be Chairman. My entire campaign was based upon three issues. I wanted to see RPOF give more support to local executive committees and candidates. If this happens more of you will be able to run for local office and have party support. I wanted to see RPOF invest in better technology to reach voters and volunteers. You have the technology, so you will be very much needed in the party. Most importantly I wanted to see RPOF open the doors and allow every Republican to participate. I fought for these three principles.
About 10 minutes before the annual meeting, I ran into Chairman Jim Greer. Our visit was not planned. It was purely impromptu. We talked about the issues I championed. He understood these issues and told me what he was doing to make corrections. Jim also said that he would make sure any Ron Paul Republican who wanted to participate would be able to. He complimented me for running such a gentlemanly campaign. He appreciated the fact that I did not attack any candidate, did not attack the Republican Party, and stuck to the issues. Chairman Greer was very gracious. He didn’t have to talk to me. He didn’t need my vote and support or ask for it because he was also a vote counter. He knew that he would be reelected in about an hour. I believe what he said.
It came time for nominations and Governor Crist nominated Jim Greer. The Governor asked that everyone vote for him. Many other party officials seconded the motion. Jim talked for a few minutes about the Republican Party. When it was my turn to speak, I talked about my three issues. I told everyone about the Ron Paul campaign and what a wonderful experience it was working with the grass roots. I talked about technology, money bombs, and the internet. I quoted Ronald Reagan; “The very essence of conservatism is libertarianism.” I talked about the future of our party.
My speech was not prepared. There was no podium so I was speaking extemporaneously. I noticed that the Governor happened to be sitting on the end of the first row, right by my microphone. In closing my speech I took the opportunity to look the Governor in the eye and said, “Governor, I want to withdraw my name from nomination because I am going to support your nominee. Republicans should not be fighting other Republicans. We should be fighting Democrats.” I made a call for party unity.
The Governor stood up and shook my hand. He thanked me for what I had done. I was told later that I had received a standing ovation. Jim Greer won the race 169 to 52, which was about the margin I had expected. During his acceptance speech, Chairman Greer shocked everyone when he said, “I want to make sure all the Ron Paul supporters who want to participate are able to.” There has been a lot of good will generated since.
I know there are some people who are disappointed in the outcome of this election. I am disappointed, too, because I know that I would have made a great chairman. During my campaign I stood up for three issues that have an effect on internal policies of RPOF. Jim addressed each one. I believe what he said and I will give him every opportunity to succeed. He never asked for my support or promised me anything. Even though he won the Chairmanship, I won on the issues and I never compromised my principles.
Unity is important. We need to unify behind real Republican principles. We can accomplish this by preparing for the 2010 election cycle. There will be tens of thousands of races all across the country including City Commissioners, County Commissioners, School Districts, and local boards. Many of these races require very little resources. If we plan now to field our candidates and participate with the Republican Party we can win.
But please remember, unity does not mean arbitrarily supporting any candidate who has an R behind his name. We can elevate the debate by supporting candidates who support real Republican principles. It is our job to hold the party to higher standards. With this approach we will win elections.
The bottom line is “All Politics Is Local”. A local city or county commission race might not seem as glamorous as Congress, but I guarantee you will have a better chance of success. You will also have a better chance at effectuating change within your community simply by running.
I want to issue a challenge to everyone who wants to participate with Republicans. Come to meetings. Join Republican clubs. Get to know people. Participate in a positive manner. Learn the rules. Get to know your elected officials. And most importantly, organize your precinct. Many of you have been quite successful. 2010 will be a banner year.
Once again thank you for all your support and well wishes. It is always tough to run a race, but it was easier knowing I had the support of our family. I want to salute each and every one of you for all the things you do to promote liberty throughout this great nation. In 2010 I want to be reading about you, an ordinary person who is doing extraordinary things. Thank you.
In Liberty,
Mark Cross
Statement of Principles, Top Conservatives on Twitter
Statement of Principles for #TCOT, Conservative "NetRoots" Organization
The 4 C's of the #TCOT Community (Top Conservatives on Twitter) are:
1. Conservatism
2. Collaboration
3. Constructive Dialogue
4. Community
Here's what we mean by each of these 4 C's:
1. Conservatism -- We believe in the return to the concept of limited government in the United States. We support (1) limited government (2) free markets (3) individual liberty (4) a strong national defense. *
2. Collaboration -- We believe that advances in technology allow for incredible opportunities for collaboration between like minded groups. We seek and respond to opportunities to collaborate with any conservative group or organization. Within #TCOT, we support collaborative efforts through the use of self organizing work groups based on the principles of Project Servant-Leadership. We believe that once hearts and minds are committed to a cause, time and treasure will follow.
3. Constructive Dialogue -- We believe in the power of ideas, and that coordial and direct dialogue, in which good manners complement good logic, will yield the best answers to problems. Constructive dialogue means we refrain from the use of profanity and personal attacks as best we can, and that we seek to understand the other side of a discussion first, and then seek to clearly communicate our side.
4. Community -- We believe that it is important to build the conservative community on Twitter, the internet, and within the populace of the United States of America. Community is built by engaging, including, and setting forth a positive vision of the future. We encourage positive action to solve problems, rather than negative criticisms that point out problems but offer no solutions.
The 4 C's of the #TCOT Community (Top Conservatives on Twitter) are:
1. Conservatism
2. Collaboration
3. Constructive Dialogue
4. Community
Here's what we mean by each of these 4 C's:
1. Conservatism -- We believe in the return to the concept of limited government in the United States. We support (1) limited government (2) free markets (3) individual liberty (4) a strong national defense. *
2. Collaboration -- We believe that advances in technology allow for incredible opportunities for collaboration between like minded groups. We seek and respond to opportunities to collaborate with any conservative group or organization. Within #TCOT, we support collaborative efforts through the use of self organizing work groups based on the principles of Project Servant-Leadership. We believe that once hearts and minds are committed to a cause, time and treasure will follow.
3. Constructive Dialogue -- We believe in the power of ideas, and that coordial and direct dialogue, in which good manners complement good logic, will yield the best answers to problems. Constructive dialogue means we refrain from the use of profanity and personal attacks as best we can, and that we seek to understand the other side of a discussion first, and then seek to clearly communicate our side.
4. Community -- We believe that it is important to build the conservative community on Twitter, the internet, and within the populace of the United States of America. Community is built by engaging, including, and setting forth a positive vision of the future. We encourage positive action to solve problems, rather than negative criticisms that point out problems but offer no solutions.
State Committeeman Jonathan Hayes qualifies for Panama City Commission Race
Jonathan Hayes qualified to run for Panama City Commissioner, Ward 1, on Monday, January 12. Hayes, a resident of Bay County for nearly 27 years, began the process back in mid-December, receiving great response and support from many residents and businesses across Ward 1 and Panama City.
Hayes has politics and government in his family history. His grandfather, James E. Hayes, served as Panama City Commissioner, Ward 4, and Mayor Pro Tem in the 1950’s after moving his family to Panama City in the late 1930’s. Hayes’ grandfather was involved in the planning and building of both marinas in Panama City , as well as securing the location and land for Gulf Coast Community College. Jonathan Hayes also serves on the Bay County Republican Executive Committee.
Hayes is employed at WMBB News 13 in the Sales Department as an Account Executive. Prior to that Hayes worked in the International Trade & Customs Practice for KPMG and ASA/Delta Airlines at the Panama City and Gainesville, FL, airports. Hayes earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science from Florida State University in Panama City . “Since the age of 18 my career has been about customer service, attention to detail, projecting a positive attitude and outlook on life and working on a diverse team to achieve a desired end result.”
Hayes is an active member and deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Panama City and also is active with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Hayes is a graduate of Leadership Bay (2005/06) and served on the steering committee for the Bay Young Professionals.
“I believe our nation has many great challenges facing her in the future. We are quickly losing sight of our core principles that our founding fathers fought hard to protect,” Hayes said. “I don’t believe this is going to be fixed in Washington . If we want our nation to get back to its roots and on the side of the people, that must begin across our land on the local level in our city and county commissions.” Hayes added, “It is time that the people’s trust in government be restored, that they begin again to trust that their tax money is being spent as it was originally intended – to provide protection for citizens, to provide infrastructure where businesses and residents can live, work and enjoy life without fear and worry.”
Hayes also desires to encourage more young adults to get involved in government and the elective process. Hayes himself turns just 32 years old this month. “I believe that elected officials should set examples as servant leaders, working hard to serve the people, not to be served,” Hayes said. “I promise to bring great energy and excitement to this race and to the office – if I am so honored to be elected by the residents of Ward 1. It would be a privilege to serve the citizens of Panama City in this capacity.”
Jonathan and his wife Tammy have lived in the Cove area since their marriage in 2001 and have three children, Natalie, 6, Joseph, 4 and Claire, 1.
Jonathan Hayes
(850) 814-4795
jonathan@jhayes.net
Hayes has politics and government in his family history. His grandfather, James E. Hayes, served as Panama City Commissioner, Ward 4, and Mayor Pro Tem in the 1950’s after moving his family to Panama City in the late 1930’s. Hayes’ grandfather was involved in the planning and building of both marinas in Panama City , as well as securing the location and land for Gulf Coast Community College. Jonathan Hayes also serves on the Bay County Republican Executive Committee.
Hayes is employed at WMBB News 13 in the Sales Department as an Account Executive. Prior to that Hayes worked in the International Trade & Customs Practice for KPMG and ASA/Delta Airlines at the Panama City and Gainesville, FL, airports. Hayes earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science from Florida State University in Panama City . “Since the age of 18 my career has been about customer service, attention to detail, projecting a positive attitude and outlook on life and working on a diverse team to achieve a desired end result.”
Hayes is an active member and deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Panama City and also is active with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce. Hayes is a graduate of Leadership Bay (2005/06) and served on the steering committee for the Bay Young Professionals.
“I believe our nation has many great challenges facing her in the future. We are quickly losing sight of our core principles that our founding fathers fought hard to protect,” Hayes said. “I don’t believe this is going to be fixed in Washington . If we want our nation to get back to its roots and on the side of the people, that must begin across our land on the local level in our city and county commissions.” Hayes added, “It is time that the people’s trust in government be restored, that they begin again to trust that their tax money is being spent as it was originally intended – to provide protection for citizens, to provide infrastructure where businesses and residents can live, work and enjoy life without fear and worry.”
Hayes also desires to encourage more young adults to get involved in government and the elective process. Hayes himself turns just 32 years old this month. “I believe that elected officials should set examples as servant leaders, working hard to serve the people, not to be served,” Hayes said. “I promise to bring great energy and excitement to this race and to the office – if I am so honored to be elected by the residents of Ward 1. It would be a privilege to serve the citizens of Panama City in this capacity.”
Jonathan and his wife Tammy have lived in the Cove area since their marriage in 2001 and have three children, Natalie, 6, Joseph, 4 and Claire, 1.
Jonathan Hayes
(850) 814-4795
jonathan@jhayes.net
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
New hate crime legislation introduced by Democrats
`Hate crime' means a crime in which the defendant intentionally selects a victim, or in the case of a property crime, the property that is the object of the crime, because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, or sexual orientation of any person.
H. R. 256
To enhance Federal enforcement of hate crimes, and for other purposes.
H.R.262
Title: To prevent hate crimes, to provide support services for victims of hate crimes, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX-18] (introduced 1/7/2009)
David Ray Ritcheson Hate Crime Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow victims of hate crimes to claim unemployment insurance for loss of employment directly resulting from their experience as victims of such crimes.
Prohibits health care insurers from taking into account whether a person is or has been a victim of a hate crime when making a determination as to eligibility for insurance coverage, the rate or premium of an insurance plan or policy, and the amount of insurance coverage provided.
Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow a victim of a hate crime to take family and medical leave.
Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to provide housing to victims of a hate crime, homeless individuals who require housing assistance as a result of being a victim of a hate crime, and individuals for whom emergency shelter services are unavailable or insufficient.
Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to: (1) provide counseling and related assistance to victims of hate crimes and their dependents; (2) establish and operate a national clearinghouse and resource center for information and statistics relating to the incidence and prevention of hate crimes; and (3) establish and operate a national, toll-free telephone hotline and a website to provide information and assistance to victims of hate crimes.
Requires the head of each federal agency to establish prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and services relating to hate crimes for employees.
H. R. 256
To enhance Federal enforcement of hate crimes, and for other purposes.
H.R.262
Title: To prevent hate crimes, to provide support services for victims of hate crimes, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Jackson-Lee, Sheila [TX-18] (introduced 1/7/2009)
David Ray Ritcheson Hate Crime Prevention Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow victims of hate crimes to claim unemployment insurance for loss of employment directly resulting from their experience as victims of such crimes.
Prohibits health care insurers from taking into account whether a person is or has been a victim of a hate crime when making a determination as to eligibility for insurance coverage, the rate or premium of an insurance plan or policy, and the amount of insurance coverage provided.
Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow a victim of a hate crime to take family and medical leave.
Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to award grants to provide housing to victims of a hate crime, homeless individuals who require housing assistance as a result of being a victim of a hate crime, and individuals for whom emergency shelter services are unavailable or insufficient.
Authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to: (1) provide counseling and related assistance to victims of hate crimes and their dependents; (2) establish and operate a national clearinghouse and resource center for information and statistics relating to the incidence and prevention of hate crimes; and (3) establish and operate a national, toll-free telephone hotline and a website to provide information and assistance to victims of hate crimes.
Requires the head of each federal agency to establish prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs and services relating to hate crimes for employees.
Moderate Republicans
by Ben Smith, Politico
If there were a strong moderate strain in the GOP leadership, it would be saying things along the lines of a new essay by former Virginia Rep. Tom Davis in the Ripon Society's publication. The essay argues that the GOP needs a few clear principles on big issues, that social issues are a distraction, and that there's no hope to be found in looking back.
Davis writes:
What we can’t do is go back. I’ve heard much talk of going back to our conservative roots, to the issues that helped us win in 1980 and 1994. That issue matrix has changed so much as to be nearly unrecognizable now. The voters who dealt us our electoral disasters in 2006 and 2008 did so because they thought we were all too true to our roots. That we were exclusive, favored rich over poor, and didn’t care sufficiently for the plight of the little person.
Also, I suspect this call to return to our “roots” really is a call to do nothing. And doing nothing, I hope Republicans will agree, is not an option.
This may be a valid argument, but it's not one that you'll find anywhere near the center of Republican politics now, after the Democratic takeover has purged it of its swing-district moderates. It's not something anyone in the race for RNC chairman would dare whisper.
It's the kind of argument that you might hear after a GOP civil war that hasn't even shown any signs of beginning.
If there were a strong moderate strain in the GOP leadership, it would be saying things along the lines of a new essay by former Virginia Rep. Tom Davis in the Ripon Society's publication. The essay argues that the GOP needs a few clear principles on big issues, that social issues are a distraction, and that there's no hope to be found in looking back.
Davis writes:
What we can’t do is go back. I’ve heard much talk of going back to our conservative roots, to the issues that helped us win in 1980 and 1994. That issue matrix has changed so much as to be nearly unrecognizable now. The voters who dealt us our electoral disasters in 2006 and 2008 did so because they thought we were all too true to our roots. That we were exclusive, favored rich over poor, and didn’t care sufficiently for the plight of the little person.
Also, I suspect this call to return to our “roots” really is a call to do nothing. And doing nothing, I hope Republicans will agree, is not an option.
This may be a valid argument, but it's not one that you'll find anywhere near the center of Republican politics now, after the Democratic takeover has purged it of its swing-district moderates. It's not something anyone in the race for RNC chairman would dare whisper.
It's the kind of argument that you might hear after a GOP civil war that hasn't even shown any signs of beginning.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Karl Rove Joins Twitter
By Matthew Moore, The Telegraph
The former White House deputy chief of staff joined the popular micro-blogging website two days ago and has already attracted more than 1,700 followers – other Twitter users who choose to receive his updates.
Unlike other celebrities on Twitter like Barack Obama and Britney Spears, who delegate their posts to aides, Mr Rove appears to be taking a hands-on approach to the site, which allows users to post 140-character updates on what they are doing.
In one Tweet he confesses that he is "no new media ninja" but is being shown the ropes by an assistant, adding: "I like it so far!"
Most of his posts detail his television appearances, speaking engagements and articles, but he has also exchanged good-natured messages with other Twitter users.
In one message he revealed a glimpse of his former boss George W Bush's concern for his legacy, writing: "I used to get steamed up over some editorial and the President would say, 'History will get it right and we'll both be dead!'"
At least two impostors have set up Twitter accounts under his name, so Mr Rove posted a message on his official website to confirm that he was the real thing.
Mr Rove stepped down from the White House in 2007 and has since worked as a political commentator for Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal and Fox News.
The strategist, who is reviled by many Democrats because for masterminding Mr Bush's 2000 and 2004 election triumphs, has a long way to go before he matches the Twitter popularity of the president-elect. Mr Obama currently has 165,414 followers.
Comedian Stephen Fry, television presenter Jonathan Ross and basketball player Shaquille O'Neil are among the site's celebrity users.
The former White House deputy chief of staff joined the popular micro-blogging website two days ago and has already attracted more than 1,700 followers – other Twitter users who choose to receive his updates.
Unlike other celebrities on Twitter like Barack Obama and Britney Spears, who delegate their posts to aides, Mr Rove appears to be taking a hands-on approach to the site, which allows users to post 140-character updates on what they are doing.
In one Tweet he confesses that he is "no new media ninja" but is being shown the ropes by an assistant, adding: "I like it so far!"
Most of his posts detail his television appearances, speaking engagements and articles, but he has also exchanged good-natured messages with other Twitter users.
In one message he revealed a glimpse of his former boss George W Bush's concern for his legacy, writing: "I used to get steamed up over some editorial and the President would say, 'History will get it right and we'll both be dead!'"
At least two impostors have set up Twitter accounts under his name, so Mr Rove posted a message on his official website to confirm that he was the real thing.
Mr Rove stepped down from the White House in 2007 and has since worked as a political commentator for Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal and Fox News.
The strategist, who is reviled by many Democrats because for masterminding Mr Bush's 2000 and 2004 election triumphs, has a long way to go before he matches the Twitter popularity of the president-elect. Mr Obama currently has 165,414 followers.
Comedian Stephen Fry, television presenter Jonathan Ross and basketball player Shaquille O'Neil are among the site's celebrity users.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Jim Greer wins re-election
Orlando–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer was today elected to serve a second term as RPOF Chairman by 77 percent of the RPOF State Committee at the RPOF Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
“I am grateful to the members of the State Committee and to Florida Republicans for putting their trust my leadership at this critical time in the history of our great party,” said Chairman Greer. “I am humbled by their confidence and look forward to working hard over the next two years to build our party.”
The Chairman was endorsed in his re-election bid by Governor Crist, Senator Martinez, Lt. Governor Kottkamp, President Atwater, Speaker Sansom, General McCollum, Commissioner Bronson and Members of the Florida’s Congressional delegation. Additionally, National Committeeman Paul Senft and National Committeewoman Sharon Day endorsed Chairman Greer.
“Under Chairman Greer’s leadership, the Republican Party of Florida has become the preeminent state party in the country,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Jim has been on the forefront of the nationwide effort to grow the party’s minority outreach and coalitions programs and is recognized as a national leader in this important endeavor. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Greer to spread the Republican message across our great state.”
“Chairman Greer has diligently worked to build our party in all areas including: providing additional resources to our grassroots volunteers, financial assistance to our County Republican Executive Committees, fundraising and enhancing our communication methods while promoting professionalism throughout the Party,” said National Committeeman Senft.
Chairman Greer has pledged to focus his second term on continuing to build the Republican Party of Florida through voter registration and outreach, maintaining the successful county rural and grants initiative programs and creating a speakers bureau. Additionally, the Chairman will create a Voter Registration Task Force and a Technology Committee. The Voter Registration Task Force will be charged with creating and executing programs designed to strengthen the involvement of Republicans in the voter registration process. The Technology Committee will be responsible for creating innovative ideas to get out the vote while raising Republican awareness through the use of up-to-the-minute technology.
“I realize that the honor of serving as Chairman comes with a great responsibility to lead our Party with energy, new ideas and an unwavering commitment to our Party’s long standing values and principles of less government, less taxes and more freedom,” concluded Greer.
President Bush asks GOP not to 'sell its soul' in order to save itself
By David Edwards and Andrew McLemore
As President Bush prepares to leave office, he had some words of caution for the Republican Party.
The outgoing president said his party should not "sell its soul" on key issues like a strong military and low taxes in order to save itself from a perceived doom.
"Parties go through cycles," Bush said. "There have been times in our history when the Democrats felt like there was no future for them. I'm optimistic about it."
He added that the GOP needs new leaders and that Republicans should be "open-minded" as they struggle to remake the party.
"It's very important for our party not to narrow its focus, not to become so inward looking that we drive people away from a philosophy that is compassionate and decent," Bush said. "There shouldn't be a litmus test as to whether or not you should be a Republican."
But even some top GOP strategists believe the party must sell new ideas to begin a revival of its former influence.
Haley Barbour, a political-turnaround artist who masterminded the 1994 Republican revolution, said there may be a temptation after a major loss to "purify our party," but that the real focus should be on "figuring out how to multiply."
As with any rehab process, the first step for a Republican comeback, Barbour said, is to "come clean and admit we did a lot of things wrong."
"Now is our chance when we're out of power to build back up from the bottom, to have a participatory, inclusive process for letting people get involved in our party," Barbour said
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